17 April 2007

Thousands of Primary and Intermediate School Students Prepare to meet NZ Leaders

A bumper line-up of well-known New Zealand leaders are set to share their experiences and impart advice to thousands of young student leaders around the country during the upcoming 2007 National Young Leaders’ Days for primary and intermediate students.

More than 8,200 students from 790 schools have already registered for the day long events which take place in Dunedin (April 30), Christchurch (May 1), Wellington (May 7), for the first time in Rotorua (May 11) and Auckland (May 17). These follow on from the successful Secondary School National Young Leaders Day events which took place in March and were attended by more than 2,700 secondary school students.

The theme for this year’s events is ‘Raise Your Game’ and in line with this theme participants will be challenged to carry out new personal bests, to learn by actively seeking out leaders they can learn from and to believe in themselves.

Among those speaking to the students at some of the events are television presenter Jason Gunn, Actor and TV personality Pio Terei, Paralympians Sophie Pascoe and Tim Prendergast as well as Dr Mark Orams who is executive director of the Sir Peter Blake Trust.

The National Young Leaders’ Days provide an opportunity for young people to think about and discuss important issues and to develop skills which are so valuable throughout life. They are designed to educate, motivate and inspire the students.

Annette Fale, general manager of the Halogen Foundation, organisers of the National Young Leaders Days, says the aim is to support and assist New Zealand schools and educators with the leadership development of their students.

“We recognise there are a number of New Zealand schools that can feel isolated on their own, whether it is through geographical location, financial constraints or staff resource issues. The Young Leaders’ Days provide an environment for synergy to occur and as schools, teachers and students attend they see the impact of coming together as a larger group to be inspired and encouraged.”

Since they were introduced in 2001, the National Young Leaders’ Days have become New Zealand’s largest and most significant student leadership events. Over 10,900 primary, intermediate and secondary school students have directly been affected through attending one of the days, though the ripple effect of what they learn has benefited thousands more.

“Feedback from teachers and schools has indicated that giving participants the chance to draw on the experience and advice of high profile leaders inspires them to serve their fellow students and school,” said Mrs Fale.

This year for the first time 10 students will receive a Westpac Student Leadership Award announced at the events. From the nominations received by teachers the Halogen Foundation will choose two students attending each of the events to receive the prestigious Award which includes a cheque of $150 for each student.

For specific details on who is speaking at each event, and for speakers’ profiles visit www.halogenfoundation.org.

Tickets cost $42 per student and $15 for each staff member or parent.

People can register online at www.halogenfoundation.org or by phoning Halogen Foundation on 09 636 1413 or 0800 624 641.

EVENT DETAILS:

Dunedin
Monday, 30th April 2007
Regent Theatre *Please note new venue*
17 The Octagon, Dunedin
9.00am - 2.30pm
Christchurch
Tuesday, 1st May 2007
Christchurch Town Hall
86 Kilmore Street, Christchurch
9.00am - 2.30pm
Wellington
Monday, 7th May 2007
TSB Bank Arena
Queens Wharf, Wellington City
9.00am - 2.30pm
Rotorua
Friday, 11th May 2007
Energy Events Centre
Government Gardens, Hinemaru Street, Rotorua
9.00am - 2.30pm
Auckland
Thursday, 17th May 2007
TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre
770-834 Great South Road, Manukau
9.30am - 2.30pm *Please note new time*

ENDS

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